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Preliminary Investigation Reports Released for New York New Jersey Ferry Boat Accident

The National Transportation Safety Board released its preliminary findings regarding the ferry that crashed into a Manhattan pier.  According to the report, the ferry “departed  Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey,  at 0802 with 326 passengers and five crewmembers (including the master) on board.”  The ferry approached Pier 11 and the master reduced the speed and prepared for docking the vessel. 

“To obtain better visibility of the dock and his crew handling lines, the [captain] transferred propulsion control from the vessel’s center console operating station to  the starboard bridge wing station, about 10 feet away.”  According to the captain, “he  then walked over to the starboard console and  attempted to take control  there, but  that  the thrust controls did not respond.”  The thrust controls were not responding on either the starboard console or the center console.   According to the captain, there was no time to signal to the passengers that the ferry was going to crash.  The report indicates that the captain “told investigators that the event happened quickly and that he did not have time to issue a warning to the  passengers over the onboard public address system or sound the danger signal.”  The report tallies the number of passengers injured at eighty-three and one passenger was seriously injured.

 In addition to the preliminary report, investigators have retrieved data from the ferry engines and closed-circuit camera system.  They are still testing the ferry’s propulsion system.  Last week, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers also surveyed the approach to Pier 11, but no findings have been released.

Video: Passengers give firsthand accounts of ferry accidentA Seastreak Wall Street ferry crashed into a mooring and injured 57 passengers at Pier 11 near Wall Street in Manhattan shortly before 8:45 a.m. Two of the less seriously injured passengers give their firsthand accounts of the incident. Video by John Munson/The Star-LedgerWatch video

The full preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is located here.

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/01/25/3200815/ntsb-nj-ferry-crisis-left-no-time.html#storylink=cpy

 

 

Personal Injury and Damages Sustained During New York Seastreak Ferry Accident May Be Limited

Claims have been filed in federal court against the ferry operator.  One passenger injured when the high-speed, New York commuter ferry slammed into a Lower Manhattan dock on January 9th, 2013, has filed a claim in the lawsuit that is proceeding in U.S. District Court.  The plaintiff, Desmond Sullivan, reportedly injured his back and neck according to his attorney.  The claims filed in court state that Sullivan “was violently thrown about and generally injured and wounded, with bones, muscles, nerves, ligaments, tissues, tendons and vital organs of his body fractured, wrenched, bruised, sprained and otherwise injured, and he sustained internal injuries, as well as great mental anguish, suffering and terror.”

 

Another passenger has still not regained consciousness since the crash and is still at intensive care at Presbyterian Hospital.  The passenger was thrown when the ferry hit dock according to the court documents. The passenger is claiming $45,000,000.

 

These passengers, however, may receive a different result as the ferry corporation has filed petitions in the federal district to limit their liability to the value of the ferry---$7,600,000.  There is even a possibility that the court would rule that there is no liability and the passengers filing claims would not be able to seek a jury.  Passengers have until May 16^th to file a claim in the federal case.

 

Despite the court proceedings, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) continues to search for the cause of the accident.   The captain of the ferry, Jason Reimer, told NTSB investigators that two sets of controls linked to the reverse thrust did not respond when he was approaching Pier 11. 

 

The manufacturer of the controllable pitch propeller manufacturer arrived on the scene, working with investigators to conduct testing of the propulsion system controls.  This testing is a result of the new engines and new controllable pitch propellers installed.

 

Shortly after the Pier 11 crash, DNAinfo reported that Seastreak LLC has had "at least 11 incidents involving its fleet over the past decade, ranging from ships running aground to an engine room catching fire to equipment failures."

 

The NTSB has released statements that “The engine manufacturer arrived on-scene last Friday and investigators were able to download alarm and parametric data stored on engine control modules in each of the two engine compartments. In addition, investigators retrieved video from several onboard cameras. All of this information is being analyzed.”  As has developed from January 9, 2013---the day of the accident---it is believed the engine manufacturer is a Michigan company.

 

We will continue to survey the situation and keep you abreast of new information.

Victims of the New York Ferry Accident

Recently, a high-speed, New York commuter ferry slammed into a Lower Manhattan dock on January 9th, 2013. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), investigators and victims are still recovering and searching for answers. The accident caused a portion of the ferry’s hull to be damaged and injured at least 57 people, to which two were injured critically.

The NTSB has released statements that “The engine manufacturer arrived on-scene last Friday and investigators were able to download alarm and parametric data stored on engine control modules in each of the two engine compartments. In addition, investigators retrieved video from several onboard cameras. All of this information is being analyzed.” As has developed from January 9, 2013---the day of the accident---it is believed the engine manufacturer is a Michigan company.

If you or a loved one have been injured by this tragic occurrence, contact one of the experienced attorneys at Traverse Legal for your consultation today. Contact one of our experienced attorneys to determine if you are entitled to compensation.

New York Ferry Boat Accident: Liability Claims for Victims Could be Limited

After the SeaStreak Wall Street commuter ferry crashed into a concrete slip last week injuring 70 people, the liability and claims of the accident continue to progress.  The ferry is valued at $7.6 million, which could end up being the total amount the company would have to pay toward personal injury lawsuits filed by passengers who were injured in the accident.  SeaStreak, a limited liability company, filed for a petition today in Newark, NJ to request that all claims brought against the company be combined to one venue.  Another petition, filed to the U.S. Federal Court, exonerates the company from any liability of injuries that were sustained by the passengers; claiming that any damages found against the company in litigation are to be limited to the value of the ferry at the time of the accident, which in this case is $7.6 million.  The dollar figure, $7.6M, comes from a valuation certificate that the company filed for promptly after the accident and damage occurred.

It is common for ship-owners, who could be facing hundreds of lawsuits, to petition the court to consolidate proceedings and set the value of the vessel as the limit against the company for damages that are found in litigation.  This statue goes back to the 1800’s where it was initially intended to protect ship-owners during the age of sailing.  While the law still applies—it is only relevant if proven that the incident occurred without prior knowledge to the owner regarding compromising conditions. 

Thomas Wynee, SeaStreak spokesperson, said “It’s our intention to deal directly with passengers where we can, but this filing allows us to consolidate all the proceedings that will end in litigation,” Wynne said. 

The National Transportation Safety Board, NTSB, continues to investigate to determine the cause of the accident.  The investigators are focusing on a damaged propeller on the port side of the vessel.  The U.S. Navy Corp of Engineers has also been conducting examinations and surveys of the waterway.  The dive team is focusing their efforts on any underwater hazards that may have compromised the vessels integrity.  Other data recordings from the engine rooms and on-board cameras have been analyzed to help aid in the investigation.

New York Ferry Boat Accident: National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) releases new information regarding accident

UPDATE—The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released some new information regarding the investigation of the SeaStreak Wall Street ferry accident that occurred in Lower Manhattan on January 9^th.  Using a dive team, the NTSB has surveyed the underwater portions of the ferry.  The divers reported damage to the ferry’s port propeller; however this new information has not been used to determine the cause of the accident.  Other testing continues to be conducted on various other mechanical systems on the ferry such as the engines and the propulsion system that had recently been modified.  The NTSB has completed its examination on the steering system and has determined the system to be satisfactory.

 

In 2012, the SeaStreak received a new propulsion system and had two new engines installed.  These modifications were conducted on the vessel in order to reduce weight and improve fuel economy.  The NTSB continues to examine and test these modifications to determine if they may have compromised the performance of the ferry.  After the 2012 modifications were implemented, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) inspected the vessel according to protocol.  The USCG inspection was recorded as satisfactory and issued a temporary Certificate of Inspection (COI).  According to the USCG marine safety manual, a temporary COI may be issued with a period of validity for up to one year and contains specific operation restrictions.  These specific restrictions range from electrical and wiring codes to the conditions of the hull and engine rooms.  The COI also sets the conditions and routes under which a vessel can operate.  According to the USCG, the SeaStreak Wall Street has had no violations under the current COI.

 

The NTSB continues to investigate the ferry after it crashed into a concrete slip while attempting to dock at a Lower Manhattan pier.  The crash caused 70 people to become injured, including 11 seriously injured.  The captain, Jason Reimer, was interviewed by investigators from the NTSB right after the crash occurred and stated that the vessel’s controls and the engines failed him as he tried to dock the ferry in the slip.

 

The manufactor of the ferry’s engines arrived last Friday and continues to be on scene.  Technicians from the manufacturer were able to retrieve data from the computers that were used to monitor the engines conditions.  There are also videos that have been retrieved from onboard cameras that the investigators continue to analyze. 

 

The Army Corps of Engineers have also been called to the scene.  They are surveying the underwater conditions to look for any obstructions that may have compromised the docking approach.  Once the ferry is pulled from the water for repairs a further investigation of the hull can be completed.

 

In addition to the investigation of the vessel, the NTSB has made contact with many of the passengers who were on board to describe what they had observed during the accident.  SeaStreak President Jim Barker continues to cooperate with investigators and ensures its customers they are fully committed to safe operation practices regarding its ferry service.  

 

New York Ferry Accident: In depth Look at the Victims of the Crash

In New York a commuter ferry carrying 343 people crashed into a dock slip injuring 57 people.  Two were critically injured during the accident, others were seriously injured.  One man suffered a serious head wound after falling down a stairwell as a result of the impact.  The boat suffered structural damage in the form of a 4 foot hole in the starboard bow hull.  Dale Connone of New Jersey stated "I heard a loud, horrible bang — metal against metal — and glass crashing.”  Passengers were interviewed by investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and numerous reporters that were on the scene.  Some described the event as chaotic, passengers standing on stairwells and near doors waiting to get off were flung forward.  Bill McKenzie, a bond broker from New Jersey told reporters “There were bodies flying everywhere.  You never are prepared for anything like this.”  He was one of many who assisted the crew to help guide passengers off the boat after the incident.

Injuries ranged from minor bruises to concussions and head injuries.  The injured passengers were taken to a variety of surrounding hospitals depending on the severity of their injuries.  Most of the passengers were taken to New York Downtown Hospital and New York Presbyterian Hospital.  Most of the passengers with minor injuries were taken to hospitals in Brooklyn.  For two hours paramedics treated those who had suffered bruises and minor cuts.  Emergency responders had to carry several patients off the ferry on flat-board stretchers and others were transported to ambulances in wheelchairs.

James Barker, the chairman of SeaStreak LLC, the ferry’s owner, vows the priority continues to be with the people who are injured.  He also notes that the company is being fully cooperative with the investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board.  The cause of the crash is still unknown.  

If you have been injured or believe you are victim of the accident, our team of professionals are available for consultations.

New York Ferry Boat Had Multiple Accidents and System Issues Prior to Crash into Manhattan Pier

Personal Injury Victim Updates: U.S. Coast Guard accident reports indiciate that the ferry that crashed into Pier 11 last Wednesday has been involved in several crashes and one maintenance overhaul prior to the accident.

As our firm as previously discussed in our posts, the Seastreak ferry has had its engine and propulsion system overhauled. Owners of the vessel paid Incat Crowther, a naval architecture company, to replace the ferry’s jet propulsion drives with a propeller system. The engine’s were sourced from a Michigan company.

The ferry, however, had been involved in several minor accidents prior to the overhaul. On Dec. 13 of 2006, Coast Guard inspectors found a foot-long crack in the vessel’s hull. According to an incident brief, the port engineer working for Seastreak told investigators “he did not feel the crack in the hull was of much significance.” The inspectors believed the crack was caused by crashing into something.

Similar to the malfunctioning of the controls on Wednesday according to the captain, a malfunction with the ferry’s controls occurred in 2009 while the ferry was docking at Manhattan’s pier. The malfunction resulted in a crash, causing a 2- to 3-foot tear to the starboard bow.

The ferry’s main power also failed during a trip in 2009, forcing the Seastreak Wall Street to rely on its backup control system to power the engines. The history of mechanical problems aboard the Seastreak Wall Street is particular relevance for victims of the crash looking to file claims and lawsuits.

If you believe you may have been subject to injury as a result of the crash, we invite you to contact our office for a consultation.

New York Ferry Accident Update: Ferry Resume Operation and Investigation Continues

NEW YORK -- Five days ago the SeaStreak Wall Street, a high-speed commuter ferry, crashed while attempting to dock in Lower Manhattan.  The ferry travels from Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey to Pier 11 in Lower Manhattan.  As a result of the crash, the ferry had sustained a 4 foot gash on the starboard bow, resulting in 70 people becoming injured—2 critically injured, 9 seriously injured.  Those who were injured were transported to nearby hospitals by flat-board stretchers, wheelchairs, and neck braces.  One man remains critically injured after falling down a flight of stairs and suffering a severe head wound. 

New York Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg was one of the first officials to arrive on scene.  Investigators are still trying to determine the cause of the accident.  Upon arriving at the scene, the National Transportation Safety Board, NTSB, issued all crew members and the captain alcohol breath tests as well as drug tests.  While the breath tests all came back negative, it could take up to two weeks to know the results of the drug tests.

Captain of the Wall Street, Jason Reimer, has been with the company for ten years.  He told investigators that while approaching the dock he was unable to shift the boat into reverse and the engines had later died on him.  The ferry was traveling about 13mph when it struck the dock, which is well above the typical crawl for docking.

The ferry was recently updated with new engines and a propulsion system.  Investigators are hoping to learn more about these new engines though the manufacturing representatives that have been reviewing recorded data.  The engines had a data recorder to monitor the condition of the engines as well as two closed circuit TV cameras that were installed in each of the two engine rooms.  Investigators are hoping that the data recovered can shed light on what may have happened.

Incat Crowther is a naval architecture firm in Australia that designed the new propulsion system that was replaced on the ferry back in August.  Installed was a new system of propellers and rudders that helped reduce pollution and saved on fuel costs.

James Barker, President of  SeaStreak released a statement the day after the accident and continues to reassure passengers that SeaStreak is fully committed to the safe operation of their ferry services.  SeaStreak is fully cooperative with the investigation and is assisting the NTSB.  There have been no reports of any pollution in the area due to the incident.    

Our Attorneys and Lawyers are Available to Speak with Victims of the January 9, 2013 New York Ferry Accident

If you are a victim of the New York ferry accident and are looking to speak with an attorney about possible representation as a result of injuries and damages suffered as result of the accident, we have an attorney or lawyer who is available to speak with you now.  You need to understand your legal rights if you were injured or a family member of a victim in the ferry accident crash at the Manhattan dock.  Your passage contract on the ferry may limit your rights and put artificial time limits on your right to pursuit a legal claim or action against the New York ferry company Seastreak LLC.  In many mass accidents on public or private mass transit, you may need to act quickly in order to preserve your legal rights.

Traverse Legal ferry accident attorneys have handled admiralty and maritime cases across the United States.  If you would like to speak with a lawyer who specializes in these sorts of mass accidents on ferries and crew ships, feel free to contact us today.  

New York Ferry Accident Update: Ferry Expected to Resume Service from New Jersey to Manhattan

According to the ferry’s owner and operator, the catamaran Seastreak ferry involved in the collision on Pier 11 is set to resume regular services for travelers on Monday.  While the ferry is set to continue, the investigation in finding the cause of the accident is just getting under way.

A personal injury attorney weighs in on the investigation of the New York ferry accident, stating:

“The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is a federal agency which is responsible for investigating all aviation and maritime accidents in the United States. It is a crucial investigation which may resolve the question of what caused this tragic accident, in the weeks and months to come. The captain will be tested for drug and alcohol use by the Coast Guard to determine whether he was under the influence of any banned substance, which would have impaired his ability to navigate this ferry. Moreover, the accident will be reconstructed to determine other factors, such as speed of the ferry, and maritime, weather and visibility conditions. There are many factors that remain to be investigated and determined to pinpoint the cause of this accident, though there is always a possibility of multiple factors working together to cause the accident.”

 

“A ferry that hit the dock at full speed delivers a forceful impact to passengers in the ferry. The strong impact, which jolted passengers out of their seats, would cause whiplash injuries which can be quite serious, requiring months of physical therapy and possibly surgery in the future. Passengers who were standing would be thrown into walls and/or the floor, possibly causing more serious injuries such as fractures, and head trauma. The passengers who have head injuries including one passenger who is currently in surgery, face possible life long injuries and need for long term medical treatment, including rehabilitation care and pain management.”

Traverse Legal ferry accident attorneys have handled admiralty and maritime cases across the United States.  If you would like to speak with a lawyer who specializes in these sorts of mass accidents on ferries and crew ships, feel free to contact us today.